NCPCR seeks report on alleged rape of minor girl in Buldhana district

In response to the case involving the alleged rape of a minor girl at government-aided tribal residential school in Maharashtra's Buldhana district, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has sought a report on the matter.

Taking cognisance of media reports, the NCPCR has asked the District Magistrate to submit within a week copies of "the FIR, medical legal report and the statements recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC".

"Besides, the Commission has asked for information on action taken against the accused, the present status of the victim and action taken for safety of the child," according to a statement issued by the panel.

Eleven people have been arrested in the case, including the main accused who is a 23-year-old school employee, the headmaster, staff and members of the school management.

A Special Investigative Team (SIT), headed by a senior IPS officer, has been formed to investigate the case as police suspect that more children could have been sexually exploited. The main accused has been charged under section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code, Buldhana Superintendent of Police Sanjay Baviskar said.

The others arrested have been booked under various relevant sections of IPC, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.